Captain Wilson L. Gilbert

WILSON L. GILBERT, son of the late William Gilbert and the late William Gilbert and Elizabeth (Wilson) Gilbert, was born on August 31, 1940 in Abingdon, Maryland. He departed this life on December 19, 2016 after a lengthy illness. Wilson received his education at Central High School in Bel Air; Maryland in 1958. He then entered the U.S. Army from 1958 until 1967 as an Airborne Paratrooper and Demolition Expert. He also graduated from the NCO Academy, Germany in 1960. From there his boxing career sky-rocketed. He received 12 major Army boxing titles from European Champion, Scandinavian Champion, All Army Champion, Interservices Champion, African Games Champion, 24th Division Champion, 8th Division Champion and 4th Division Champion while traveling the world with the USA Boxing Team achieving 202 Wins and only 11 Loses. He fought his way from a light welterweight to a middleweight boxer. In 1967 Wilson received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army. In civilian life, Wilson began his employment in Corrections in 1967 as a Correctional Officer to the Recreation Department. Four years later, in 1971, he was promoted to Sergeant. Six years later (1977) he earned a promotion to lieutenant. In 1981, he was promoted to Captain. Captain Gilbert retired in 2001. Some of his most notable accomplishments included assisting the establishment of Eager Village Therapeutic Self-Help Program; establishing a Jail Boxing Program which attracted Professional Boxers Larry Middleton, Vincent Pettaway and Muhammad Ali; establishing Fallsway Youth Club which mentored youth of incarcerated parents or troubled youth; supervised Family Days; and supervised tours of the jail for school age children. Captain Gil's heart was so tremendous for family, coworkers and the community alike. He initiated the Tactital team to ensure correctional staff's safety while encountering dangerous inmates. As he developed the Emergency Operation Center lifelong bonds were formed supporting anyone who needed him. Capt. Gil was also a devout friend, listener and ardent family man. He earned the respect of anyone who encountered his presence. He was a community activist with the Oblate Sisters of Providence hosting community dinners, trips for seniors and youth, raffles and holiday gatherings. Captain Gilbert's influence with the Brentwood community received a lot of support services. He received recognition for his distinguished community service and correctional services. Awards such as Channel "13" Salute, Fox 45 "Hero of Courage Award," Baltimore Sunpaper "Officer of the Year Award", Resolution Citation from City Council, the Governor's Citation, a Mayor's Citation and Key Person Award. Baltimore City someone knew him and began "Cap-N-Gil salutations." Captain Gilbert was known for his colorful language while he remained an inpatient at Keswick. He will be remembered for many of his humorous statements. He leaves to mourn: his devoted wife, staunch advocate, Wilma J. Gilbert; one daughter, Lucree Kimbrough; Arthur Gilbert; four sisters, Mary, Gloria, Ann (who preceded him in death) and Bobby: two brother-in-law, Ernest and Clifford; sister-in-law, Hiawatha; daughter-in-law, Wendy; eleven grandchildren (one granddaughter preceded him in death), eleven great-grandchildren and a plethora of other family members and friends.

Tributes

Captain Wilson L. Gilbert

August 31, 1940 - December 19, 2016